Bears look at candidates for Melton's spot

Bears defensive tackle Henry Melton is consoled by Steelers players as he is helped off after tearing his ACL on Sunday. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)

The Chicago Bears began searching for help for a replacement for the injured Henry Melton on Tuesday when they hosted two defensive tackles for a workout at Halas Hall.

Landon Cohen and Daniel Muir were in for a workout, an NFL source told the Tribune . However, separate sources said neither player was expected to be signed at this time.

Cohen, 27, was released by the Cowboys last week after appearing in their first two games. He was a seventh-round draft pick of the Lions in 2008 when Dallas defensive line coach Rod Marinelli was the head coach in Detroit. Cohen has bounced around the league, spending time with the Patriots, Jaguars, Seahawks, Cardinals, Eagles and most recently the Cowboys.

Muir, 30, played three games for the Jets last season and was previously with the Colts and Packers. He has 26 NFL starts.

The Bears are not going to find a replacement for Melton, a Pro Bowl player, on the street. But they are looking for some depth and a player who can help in the rotation. The “next man up” philosophy means Nate Collins will be called on to step forward in the starting role. Undrafted rookie free agent Zach Minter also could be a part of the rotation.

With no action likely to be taken with either Cohen or Muir, the Bears could continue to look for free-agent help. They also could pursue a trade or consider promoting Aston Whiteside from the practice squad. The team lists Whiteside as an end but he split time between there and tackle during training camp and preseason.